There are many instances where the Pass without traces comes in handy in the Dungeons and Dragons game. We will give you one of such use cases.
You and your members are coming back from a vicious war. You have fought to the extent that you no longer have the strength within you to challenge or scare off any enemies should you encounter any. However, you still have the Pass without trace spell in your spell list.
Unfortunately for you and your party members, you encountered some deadly monsters and bandits on your way home and you do not want any fight again. At least not today. So how do you get past this obstacle without having to engage?
There are a plethora of ways you can do this. If you have the Misty Step Spell, you can teleport yourself over a 30ft distance to a location that is within your sight range. However, this spell can only transfer one party member at a time. There is another way you can try to get a pass. However, since you have the Pass Without a trace, it will be the best spell to use in this scenario.
In this article, we will be exploring the Pass without trace spell to see the basic statistics, how the spell works, who is allowed to use it, and whether or not you should consider using it in your next campaign.
What is the Pass Without Trace Spell?
A veil of shadows and Silence radiates from you, masking you and your companions from detection. For the duration, each creature you choose within 30 feet of you (including you) has a +10 bonus to dexterity (Stealth) checks and can’t be tracked except by magical means. A creature that receives this bonus leaves behind no tracks or other traces of its passage.
The pass without a trace is a second-level abjuration spell. This means that it can only be cast if you have a level two spell slot or higher. Nevertheless, if you cast it with a level three spell slot or higher, you will still get the same effect as though you cast it with a level two spell slot.
It is important to get a player’s handbook. If you don’t already have one, you can get one through this link. If you need the Players handbook with DND dice and a complete printable kit, DND core rule book all in one pack, click this link This will save you some cash than having to go buy them separately but you will have to pay more upfront. However, if you don’t have the funds at this time to purchase one, we got you covered as we will supply you with the most important statistics for the Pass without trace spell excerpted from the Players handbook.
Pass Without Trace Statistics from the player’s handbook
Spell Level: 2nd level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range; Self
Components: V, S, M (The material is ashes from a burned leaf of mistletoe and a sprig of spruce)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
School: Abjuration
Attributes
Delving into the Pass without Trace Spell
The pass without trace spell is a second-level abjuration spell. Abjuration comes from the root word Abjure means to abstain from. Therefore, The abjuration spell is any of such spells that seek to help the caster abstain from objects. These objects could be monsters, bandits, etc.
The abjuration school of magic encompasses protective spells. They create a physical or magical barrier, negate magical or physical abilities, harm trespassers, or even banish the subject of the spell to another plane.
The Pass without a trace can only be cast as an action. It allows you to pass unnoticed. However, you can protect other party members of your choice with this spell.
Components of Pass Without Trace
There are 3 components needed to pull off the Pass without Trace spell. These components are the Verbal, Somatic, and Material components. We will explain the three components to get you started. For a spell like the Pass without Trace that needs these 3 components, you will be well on your way to succeeding in the activation of the spell.
The Verbal component: As you already know, most spells if not all require the spell caster to chant or mutter some mystic words or abracadabra. If you have this spell and you don’t have the perfect abracadabra for its activation, the spell will not work.
The Somatic component: This component is a basic part of casting spells. Many spells would require some sort of motion for the casting creature to perform it. In situations where the spell caster cannot pull these motion stunts, the spell cannot be activated.
The material component: Sometimes, you would need material to be able to cast a spell. This is not always the case as some spells can be cast without having any material. An example of a material component that is required to cast the Pass without Trace spell is ashes from a burned leaf of mistletoe and a sprig of spruce.
Concentration in Pass without Trace
As you all know, the Pass without a trace is a concentration spell. The caster needs to concentrate just so the spell doesn’t lose its validity. If for some reason, the caster is distracted, this spell will end. The caster can decide to end the spell by losing concentration. There are many ways of losing concentration if you must. Here is a list of some ways with which concentration can be lost;
- Casting another spell that needs concentration will end the initial concentration spell
- Concentration can be lost if you cannot kill
- Taking a damage while concentrating on a spell
How to use the Pass without Trace Spell
For starters, you must have this spell in your spell list.
You must have an available second-level spell slot or higher to cast this spell since it is a second-level abjuration spell.
You must be able to speak
You must be able to move your hands
You should have the ingredient needed to cast this spell which is ashes from a burned leaf of mistletoe and a sprig of spruce.
You should try to maintain concentration
You must cast this as an action on your turn when in combat.
Who can cast the Pass Without Trace spell?
Unfortunately, not all classes, sub-classes and Race has access to use this spell. The only class allowed to use this spell is the Druids and Rangers.
The sub-classes that can use this spell are; Way of Shadow, Trickery Domain, and the Circle of the Land (Grassland) emanating from the Monk, Cleric, and Druid class respectively. The Races that can use this spell are the; Elf (Mark of Shadow), Earth Genasi, and Human (Mark of Passage).
Is Pass without Trace Good?
Yes since it gives you the ability to journey unnoticed but not invisible. Think about what you can accomplish when you can maneuver your way unnoticed. You would be untouchable. Also provided that you didn’t lose your concentration, this spell can last for an hour. That is a lot of time to do whatever you want to do.
Furthermore, you can not only pass without a trace alone, but you can carry your party members alongside. I think this is the point where this spell shines.